Redmond Historical Society 25th Anniversary Celebration in the new Senior & Community Center
President John Oftebroof the Redmond Historical Society (RHS) did a fabulous job producing, directing and emceeing the Redmond Historical Society 25th Anniversary Celebration and Social. Over 120 attended. The event was held on Saturday, October 28 at the new Redmond Senior and Community Center. John's an excellent fund-raiser and superlative jack-of-all trades.
Laura-Lee Bennett, the Executive V.P. oversaw the event. RHS Co-founder Miguel Llanos flew up from Los Angeles and gave a 30-minute interactive slide show. John Couch, Redmond's Park & Rec. Director of 30 years dressed-up as Mayor Bill Brown. Chris "Hurricane" Himes, Redmond's first Strong Mayor gave a charming, short speech. Former Mayor Rosemary Ives was on Block Island attending to her family.
Board member Deborah Oftebro assembled lead-members to work the coffee cake and cookie table: Judy Lang, Jo Ann Potter, Deb Akerstrom and a Morelli? My wife Pam and I got to sit with good friends, John Reinke, Gary Smith and Terry Lavender. John Reinke gave the entire audience a holler as he sang along.
Breaking news! The folksy Redmond Mayor of 30-years Bill Brown is introduced and chats with the audience! He may be attending the Society's 25th Anniversary party at the Senior Center on Saturday, 28th 3-5:30. Have a beverage with him afterwards at a local tavern! haha!
Saturday Speaker Series Walking with History:
Elise Farrel-McWhirter (16:20 m)
"Born an heiress in the Age of Industry, Elise Farrel-McWhirter led the life of one of the most intriguing socialites in New England in the early 20th century. Follow the incredible life journey of a woman who was independent and bold before it was in vogue. Before the Women’s Suffrage Movement, before Women’s right to vote,
Elise Farrel-McWhirter lived a remarkable life on her own terms and traded the glamour of society for a small farming community in rural Washington—a community named Redmond that she chose to live in over all the other places she had traveled in North America, Asia, and Europe.
We can walk with history today, because she donated her beloved home upon her death that became Farrel- McWhirter Park. Learn about one of Redmond’s early leading ladies, who loved children, horses, nature, and left us all a legacy that helped foster Redmond’s modern-day Parks Department."
Speaker bio:
Ali Maynard is the Farm Program Coordinator at Farrel-McWhirter Park and has been employed with the City of Redmond since 2007.
Suzanne Greathouse, a community professional who brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience, has been selected to fill the vacant Position #2 on EvergreenHealth's Board of Commissioners.
Suzanne Greathouse
KIRKLAND, Wash. - The EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners has selected Suzanne Greathouse to serve in Position #2, representing the Kenmore/Kirkland community and all residents of King County Public Hospital District #2. Greathouse was sworn into the position on Sept. 17 and will serve through Dec. 31, 2025.
Greathouse is a dedicated community professional who brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience to support EvergreenHealth's ongoing mission to advance the health of the community.
"We are excited to have Suzanne join the Board, and we look forward to her contributions in supporting the health and well-being of our community," said Board Chair Virgil Snyder. "Like every other commissioner, Suzanne is dedicated to ensuring our community has access to high-quality, safe, compassionate and cost-effective health care."
As the CEO and Co-Founder of REPSVR, a virtual reality skills training platform, Greathouse's diverse experience spans being a business owner, educator/trainer, executive, and consultant. Throughout her career, she has developed and led multicultural and virtual teams and managed complex business environments. She is an expert at applying industry best practices and emerging research to address specific challenges, fostering success, and enhancing performance, motivation, and job satisfaction.
Greathouse's career also includes nearly 20 years at AT&T, where she led efforts in various areas, including construction and engineering, research and development, emergency preparedness/disaster recovery, network security, network operations and IT product development and support. In 2017, after experiencing a family tragedy, Greathouse shifted her focus to serving the community. She has since held roles on the Kenmore City Council, the Northshore Fire District's Board of Commissioners, the City of Kenmore Planning Commission and the Northshore Senior Center Board of Directors.
Currently, Suzanne serves as a Northshore Utility District Commissioner and actively participates in various community organizations, including the Kenmore Heritage Society, Bothell/Kenmore Chamber of Commerce, Kenmore Business Alliance, and the EvergreenHealth Foundation. She is also the founder and president of the Alex Greathouse Foundation, which provides oral cancer support and funding for treatment, research, and other essential needs.
"I am thrilled at the opportunity to join the EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners and look forward to working with fellow members on ensuring access to the hospital system's vital services in Kirkland, Kenmore and throughout the Eastside," said Greathouse.
Posted by Bob Yoder, 9/20/2024
Comments: 1) Public Notice for the interviews of the Commission nominees was poor. Navigation on their website to find this public meeting was close to impossible. Thus, my wife and I (and others) didn't attend. BY
2) Evergreen Board has the worst notice system out of any public board and they don't do well with publishing information. They don't even record their meetings and publish minutes a month after the meetings happen. Anonymous comment 9/21/2024
Have you heard about the Redmond Parks and RecreationFee Assistance Program Application? Application forms are available at the Senior Center Customer Service desk.
Applicants who meet eligibility requirements can be awarded up to $1,000 per person, per year to help pay for day passes', monthly passes, punch passes, etc. So far, this program rewarded over $43,000 to ~ 345 recipients 2024.
Eligibility:
Household income of $70,000 or less qualifies for a 50% reduction in activity fees.
Household income of $47,000 or less qualifies for a 70% reduction in activity fees.
Household income of $28,800 or less qualifies for a 90% reduction in activity fees.
Proof of Eligibility: Examples of accepted documents include, but not limited to: 1) Utility billing, 2) Social Security Benefits statement, 3) most recent tax return, 4) DSHS statement or award.
This is my edited Letter of gripes written to the Council Ombudsperson.
Council lining up to receive the Salary Commissioners I will report their salaries, stipends and benefits when they are available.
Council,
I know you work hard and I hope the salary commission gives you what you're due, including the stipends and benefit improvements you and HR are giving yourselves.
The city is wealthy from construction income yet you are nickel and diming uswith fees: Utility fees, Park fees, Recreation fees, Senior & Community Center fees. Are fees at Perrigo, Meadows, Hartman courts next? Fees are so many and scattered all over the Community/Senior Center that I can't sum them up.
Your action of charging residents and commercial a $15 fee on automatic utility payment looks ridiculous considering our city wealth. After 40 minutes of trouble shooting with utility staff I learned "a Director" acted too soon and now the fee must be reversed "until Council makes a decision on what to do." Should COO Files get involved?
I didn't appreciate CM Stuart calling me out in public after the Hearing on Initiative 2117. Amongst your new procedural rules that limit public participation, you should look at yourselves. Vice President Jessika Foresythe gave a good report on the specifics of the Climate Commitment Act as it relates to city monies.
Finally, Council President Vanessa Kritzer's participation during King County Councilmember Perry's "Town Hall" was excessive, shortening Ms. Perry's Q&A significantly. Other's felt so too. She IS a good speaker and does a lot of it. Perry's Community Engagement manager (and city councilmember) Osman Salahuddin generated a good turnout with great speakers.
(L-R) John Marchione, former Redmond Mayor; David Carson, former City Councilmember; Jessica Forsythe, City Council Vice President; Keri Pravitz, Head of Community Affairs for Amazon on the Eastside; Loreen Hamilton, Parks and Recreation Director; Senator Patty Kuderer; Redmond Mayor Angela Birney; Vanessa Kritzer, City Council President; Senator Manka Dhingra; Cari Scotkin, Redmond Arts and Culture Commissioner; Angie Nuevacamina, City Councilmember; and former City Councilmember Tanika Padhye. Photo: City of Redmond
REDMOND, WA - The new Redmond Senior & Community Center recently earned the first-ever recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council for sourcing wood from climate-resilient forestry. The Council, which manages the LEED certification process, awarded the building an innovation point during the process and lauded Opsis Architecture and Sustainable NW for verifying that wood came from forests managed sustainably.
“We are honored to receive this historic recognition,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “The senior and community center was designed with environmental sustainability in mind, and it is exciting to know all who walk through these doors will be coming into a place that not only cares about them but cares about the building’s impact on our planet.”
(Ages 6+) Join us on March 30th for our annual Beat the Bunny 5K race, a fun, family-friendly event! Whether you run, walk, stroll, hop, or beat the bunny, everyone wins a prize. The race also includes a FREE kids' dash at 9:30 a.m., prior to the start of the 5K race at 10 a.m.
The race starts from the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village located at 6505 176th Ave NE Redmond, WA 98052. Parking is available at the community center parking lot and surrounding side streets. The start/finish line will be directly behind the community center with an out and back route running thru the scenic Marymoor Park.
Scroll down to register .....and to find important city news and information, including the May opening of the Senior & Community Center, and the decision to house homeless in our Downtown.
(l-r) Councilmembers Richard Cole, Hank Margeson and Pat Vache', circa 2010
At this week's Council study session many interesting topics were covered - SE Redmond Park, Reservoir Park, and a Community Advisory report on Vision 2050 - but what stood out for me was Councilmember Anderson's brief comment that retired 3-term councilmember Hank Margeson is "a resource" and was open to help/consult with council when needed. He "leans left" and is a good fit.
Margeson chaired the Citizen's Advisory Committee for the new Senior Center. He gave a very impressive summary report to council on the Center (without notes.)
I did a blog search on "Hank Margeson" You might find it interesting. Additional stories can be found at this "Margeson label" search.
From the desk of Redmond Councilmember Melissa Stuart...
Happy new year!
This month officially marks the halfway point in my term on the Redmond City Council. I’m stopping by your inbox with a quick moment of gratitude for your trust and support.
My first two years on the Council were marked by a steep learning curve, tons of humbling moments, and many opportunities to create excellence in the details. I am so proud to serve in this role and often humbled to be at the table. Thank you for trusting me in this seat.
Three Great Moments on Council 2022-2023
·Winning unanimous adoption of a comprehensive plan amendment to bring a more lively, sustainable, and transit-oriented neighborhood to the town center district
·Co-authoring a successful budget amendment to bring executive staffing for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
·Flipping pancakes at Derby Days with the fire department’s benevolent fund (twice!)
Coming up this year, Council will finalize a once-in-a-generation comprehensive plan, complete the local roads safety plan, and build the first biennial budget since the conclusion of COVID relief subsidies. There is a lot to do!
New in 2024
·Finalizing building incentives that inform how Overlake’s urban center (my neighborhood!) will play a leading role in meeting our city’s housing, climate, and community goals.
·I’ll chair the caucus for the Sound Cities Association’s delegation to the Growth Management Planning Board, at the Puget Sound Regional Council (yup, that’s SCA at PSRC’s GMPB, for short!)
·You’ll see me at the grand opening of the new Redmond Senior & Community Center, the delivery of the state’s first electric fire engine, boarding the first light rail train from Overlake, and as always… my bi-weekly office hours. Please stop by!
I hope this mid-term note gives you a glimpse of how I’m working with my colleagues to address the real and present needs of the city, while also having a chance to enjoy this great place we call home.
What questions or feedback does this bring up for you? Let me know!
With gratitude,
Melissa
P.S. You might have noticed I don’t do social media. If you are interested in more frequent updates this year, please let me know and I’ll make a point to check-in again soon.
Melissa holds walk-in office hours at the Redmond library the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 3-5PM. This is a terrific opportunity to be heard and build a relationship with Council.
Angie Nuevacamina defeated David Carson, 53.67% (5937) to David's 46.07% (5097.)
What is the significance of the bisected butterfly?
The meaning of the butterfly is cultural to current day Mexico and Senegal- where I have heritage from. It signals transformation, hope, and are quite a force when moving together. In the design, my name is in the middle- acting as a bridge and being able to hold multiple perspectives. - Angie Nuevacamiona.
The demographics of Redmond have changed dramatically in the last five or so years (~ 50% brown.) Angie ran on "inclusive," "welcoming," and "equity," and it paid off. She also prioritized affordable housing, safety, a healthy community and transparent government. She rallied the voters with a call for "Nothing about Us without Us." Angie is a member of the LBGTQ community, a queer artist, and small business owner, as a financial services professional. She currently volunteers on the City planning commission.
David M. Carson, the conservative incumbent of 16 years placed most of his cards on safety: 1) extra police coverage for light rail users, 2) keeping the county accountable for a drug-free homeless facility in Overlake. 3) he flipped flapjacks for the fire fundraiser at every Derby Days. 4) he served on regional emergency coalitions. As Presiding Officer on the Parks Council he advocated for access to Redmond's seven "String of Pearls" park properties. He is a OneRedmond Board member, Foundation member and Kiwanis member. He praised the Police Department "Sniffer" canine in his political statement. All this, and Marymoor Village, the new fire station, Senior Center and other facility improvements weren't enough to win over the voters.
The voters chose values embracing the Redmond's welcoming culture, over a developer/business centric incumbent valuing safety.
-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 11/25/2023
Find 16 years of articles and opinion on Councilmember David Carson HERE
I'm standing next to one of many Commissioner Jeffrey Cashman's political signs. The number he staked was enormous. I endorsed both Jeff and his opponent, Amber Wise. I supported Amber.
Mr. Cashman planted his campaign signs heavily throughout Evergreen Public Hospital District No. 2 -- Redmond, Kirkland, Woodinville, Mill Creek, Kenmore, Duval, Sammamish, and parts of Snohomish county. Never has a local candidate spread their political signs so far and wide.
If the residents of EvergreenHealth Public Hospital didn't know they lived in a taxing district they certainly do now.
Currently, residents and landlords are levied ~ 2% / $1,000 appraised property value. Total Levy Revenue in 2022 was $28,556,467.
Do you know how this money is spent? 70% goes towards capital projects, 30% towards programs like referral networks, CHATT, and North Shore Senior Center. The commissioners keep this close to their chest. I learned about the 70% / 30% split at a Board meeting. A full report is forthcoming.
Commissioner Cashman defeated PCC meat-cutter Amber Wise, a union worker and mental health advocate, by roughly 58%.
-- Bob Yoder, 11/9/2023
I was struck with Covid a few days before the election; this, after 6 vax. It hit me very hard.
Redmond City TV (RCTV) is available on both Comcast (channel 21) and Ziply (channel 34) cable systems. You can also catch RCTV liveonline 24/7 or replayOnDemandprogramming from city video archives.
At the top and/or bottom of the hour from 8 - 10 a.m. the following block of helpful and interesting programing is run continuously. I highly recommend tuning in. No commercials! ☝
The Mayor’s monthly video “Our Stories, Redmond Connects”
“Bird’s Eye View,” a poem by our previous poet laureate
Homelessness and panhandling message from Tisza Rutherford, Redmond’s Homeless Outreach Administrator
Heat pumps and Energy Smart Eastside
Green Redmond
Recycling Plastic Bags
King County House Repair
Connected by Water, How Redmond protects our water
Pam and I were lucky to participate in the the Senior Center's WeGo Sports camp last month. It's for ages 50+. Having a 22-year age "buffer" we were shoe-ins. The sports themed camp was at the city's iconic Farrel-McWhirter Park. Sara Bouwman curated some fun and stimulating games. The barbeque was tasty. The sing along touched me with familial nostalgia. Marty Boggs, the Center's manager, lined upsportscaster and storyteller Tony Ventrella as guest speaker. (Marty and Tony are sitting on the lower right.) He and his staff truly put on an incredible camp. It was so sad to hear after over 25 years with the city Marty's retiring. He's moving to a charming city, into a custom home, surrounded by his family.
Here we are with our Sports Participation Awards -- We were ALL winners!
Of course, we know construction in our downtown, Overlake and Marymoor village is extremely active. The city taxes this construction and revenues are significant as seen below. The city classifies this a "one-time money" since growth will eventually normalize and this "bonus" revenue can't be relied on forever.
The city clerk accounts for this one-time construction money, as follows:
2018 $11,584,950
2019 $9,325,885
2020 $11,066,344
2021 $16,814,029
2022 $17,756,725
My question: Besides the new Senior & Community Center where has this money been going?
Public Records Officer response: One-time dollars are only used to fund one-time programs, such as in 2023-2024 budget, these dollars are being used but limited to fund irrigation for community and neighborhood parks, sports field design and Police emergency response.
It seems the clerk's response is somewhat confusing and appears to contradict the Mayor's statement as found in her Council Salary Commission letter. Excerpt:
"The 2023-2024 budget creation relied on one-time money to restore a small portion of the 17.63 full-time equivalent employees laid off, and programs and services sharply reduced during the pandemic years. City revenues are slowly recovering, but are not up to pre-pandemic levels. In addition, all economic indicators point to a recession on the horizon." -- Mayor Birney. 5/26/23
Should, or shouldn't these lay-offs be funded through the General Fund rather than one-time construction money?
EvergreenHealth's current levy is ~2% of King County's property tax. A levy lid-lift may be proposed November of 2024.
EvergreenHealth's Board of Seven Commissioners have the final say on the distribution of levy funds each year, with recommendations of a standing levy committee.
30% of the Levy is allocated to "programs." The remaining 70% is allocated to "capital expenditures." Many of the levy-supported programs specifically address the special needs of under-served and high-risk community members, most of the programs are for use by the entire community. Capital expenditures often go towards funding instruments, labs, EPIC "My Chart," infrastructure and the like.
2023 Levy Program Directory:
Supporting Students in Crisis
EvergreenHealth provides social workers to Lake Washington School District high schools to assess students with high-risk behaviors and mental health concerns for free. The EvergreenHealth social workers meet with students 1:1, conduct groups, provide support to parents, and coordinate with school officials to keep students safe and connected to community providers. In 2021, our social workers helped 401 high school students during mental health crises.
High School Mental Health Therapists
Community funds also help the Northshore School District provide students access to mental health counselors. They meet individually and in small groups to address student needs. Supportive resources are also made available to students grieving the loss of a loved one. In 2021, our therapists served 1,264 students and responded to 47 crisis visits.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
EvergreenHealth's free Youth Mental Health First Aid training provides educators, coaches and other volunteers who work with students the tools to help adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis or addiction challenge.
Participants are taught how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and crises, what to say and how to talk with someone, and how to refer to professional resources for help.
[NAMI Eastside and LWSD also provide free Youth Mental Health First Aid training. I took it - great program]
STEM Global Health Education Partnership
EvergreenHealth partners with our local school districts to give students the opportunity to learn about global health initiatives through job shadowing, attending Grand Rounds and hearing from guest speakers. These kinds of partnerships give students the opportunity to immerse themselves early on in learning about careers in science, health care and so many other industries.
Community Health Needs
EvergreenHealth Nurse Navigator & Healthline
In 2021, our 24/7 Nurse Navigator & Healthline served more than 108,000 calls from our community for free, helping you with scheduling, referrals and answering those health-related questions even Google can't help with.
Healthline played a pivotal role in 2021, connecting thousands of neighbors with accurate information on COVID-19 and pandemic resources. More than 50,000 callers received nursing triage advice, getting help with home remedies for common ailments as well as diagnostic support for various illnesses.
EvergreenHealth's Community Health Education Services provided more than 790 community-funded classes and programs in 2021. Roughly 4,300 community members participated, taking the opportunity to enrich their lives with the kind of lessons only we can teach. As a community-owned health system, our curriculum and programs look to address the diverse needs of our region while building a sense of community for you and your neighbors around common interests.
The Gene & Irene Wockner freestanding hospice center has 15 beds and serves hospice patients in King and Snohomish counties. It is the only hospice center in both counties and provides you or your loved ones with short-term acute care, with the goal of discharging home once symptoms have been stabilized.
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